Metro WhatsApp Ticketing Service Hit by Hours-Long Outage, Commuters Face Rush-Hour Delays
Pimpri, 17th March 2026: Thousands of commuters faced disruption during Monday’s peak hours after the WhatsApp-based ticketing system of Pune Metro remained unavailable for several hours, leading to confusion and long queues at stations.
According to Metro officials, the service was suspended between 6:00 am and 11:45 am due to scheduled maintenance. However, the absence of prior communication left many passengers caught off guard, with some receiving automated messages suggesting that the service would remain unavailable for the entire day.
During the outage, passengers had to rely on alternative ticketing options such as purchasing tickets at station counters or using the metro’s mobile application. This led to delays, particularly during the busy morning window between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, when commuter footfall is typically at its highest.
Several passengers reported confusion and inconvenience, stating that the WhatsApp ticketing feature is widely preferred for its quick and seamless access. Its sudden unavailability disrupted travel plans and caused delays in reaching workplaces.
Chandrashekhar Tambekar, Public Relations Officer of Pune Metro, said the disruption was part of a temporary shutdown for system maintenance. “The WhatsApp ticketing facility was kept closed between 6:00 am and 11:45 am for maintenance purposes and has now been fully restored,” he said.
The incident has highlighted the growing dependence of commuters on digital ticketing systems for daily travel. Metro authorities have assured that the service is now fully operational and stated that prior notifications will be issued in advance to avoid inconvenience during any future maintenance activities.
